Collaborative work typically involves the casual exchange of ideas between a small number of individuals, in addition to larger, more formal meetings. Information is shared visually through screens of different sizes (smartphones, tablets, laptops, flat screens), whiteboards and flip charts, or other visual means. 

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Remote work has been on the rise since COVID-19 forced most office workers to work from home. Evolving work models suggest that some element of hybrid work will become a permanent aspect of work.  Collaborative technology that mimics real-life tools like whiteboards and face-to-face communication - and ability to manage virtual teams - will increase in importance. Effective collaborative technology gives organizations the ability to implement hybrid work models, and teams the ability to work productively together in any combination of face-to-face and virtual. 

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Challenges remain, such awkward or limited support for “spontaneous” discussions on issues or projects. This challenge can be met through rethinking collaborative technology to include spontaneous work sessions and planning for how meeting and interaction spaces will need to evolve and better incorporate these technologies.